Working in alternative and complementary therapies

Some alternative and complementary therapies are offered alongside medicine and nursing care, including occupational therapy and art therapy.

You may work with patients who have a long-term issue or disability or who are recovering from an illness or surgery. If you choose a career in other therapies, such as reiki, shiatsu, massage and aromatherapy, you are more likely to be based in a therapy centre or spa. Some complementary and alternative therapists are medically qualified, while others are qualified in their therapy but not in medicine. Some therapists offer more than one type of therapy.